Bkhz Gallery, SA’s booth at the 154 Art Fair London, will feature a diverse range of contemporary South African artists. The Intimate exhibit promises an immersive experience into the intricate worlds of four exceptionally talented artists. The artists explore the different forms of intimacy, how intimacy is viewed, and how it has changed over the years. Among the talented artists include :
Mercy Thokozane Minah (They/Them)
Mercy Thokozane Minah examines gender and intimacy through their vibrant art, embracing diverse identities in South Africa. She is a gender-expansive, queer multi-disciplinary artist from South Africa who embodies artistic authenticity. Her featured piece ‘Joy Comes in the Morning,’ invites viewers to explore the profound depths of human emotions. Mercy’s art celebrates gender diversity, reflecting courage, curiosity, and unwavering authenticity, shaping a life rich in creative exploration. Moreover, she captures the essence of newfound hope and happiness.
Tatenda Chidora’
Tatenda Chidora’s work embodies the essence of ‘new African photography.’ Based in South Africa and rooted in Zimbabwean heritage, Chidora captures the vibrant narratives of African metropolises. Through his lens, everyday individuals become heroes, their stories illuminated from unique angles. His featured artwork, ‘4th Wave,’ delves into the complexities of contemporary society. He skillfully transports audiences to serene landscapes, where parasols offer shelter and solace, inviting viewers to escape the chaos of everyday life.
Bahati Simoens
Bahati Simoens paints vibrant figures that celebrate African heritage, free from the white gaze. Born in Burundi, she infuses her art with everyday experiences, portraying black culture’s richness. Her bold brushstrokes exude movement, inviting viewers into a visceral connection. In its ambiguity, Simoens’ piece invites interpretation, encouraging spectators to find their own stories within its enigmatic lines and colors.
Talia Ramkilawan
Ramkilawan confronts dislocation trauma through her sculpture. Her work dismantles prevailing ideologies, offering a healing touch to her community. Through intimate portraiture, she disrupts linear narratives. Her artwork, ‘Fell in Love with the Fire a Long Ago/ Strangers to Lovers to Enemies,’ weaves a tale of passion and transformation. She explores the intricate journey from love to conflict, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human relationships.
Mashudu Nevhutalu
Mashudu’s art evokes nostalgia, drawing from personal photographs and aiming for universal relatability. His figures, deliberately blurred, symbolize the vagueness of memory. Bright hues infuse life into his artworks, recreating and immortalizing cherished moments, allowing viewers to imprint their memories upon his canvas. ‘Under Parasols’ immerses viewers in a tranquil world beneath a canopy of parasols. The painting showcases Nevhutalu’s mastery of capturing serene moments in vibrant hues.
Bkhz cordially invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds to Somerset House this October. Through the delicate strokes and bold expressions of four exceptional artists, the exhibition transcends mere visual delight, offering an intimate journey into the depths of human emotions and societal intricacies. Check out the Bkhz website and the 154 art fair, 2023, to learn more about the different booths presenting African art.
